3G Coverage maps

Publication date: 8 July 2009

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Contents
Section Page
1 Coverage maps 1
2 3G coverage maps (January 2009) 2
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Section 1

1 Coverage maps
Description

These 3G coverage maps by mobile operator were prepared in January 2009. They
represent the area where we have assessed the mobile operators met a minimum coverage
threshold set by Ofcom (see technical notes below). The shaded areas on the maps indicate
areas where customers have the possibility of making and receiving a call outside over a 3G
network (but with no guarantee of being able to do so). They do not indicate areas where
customers are able to access higher data rate services.

All operators produce their own coverage indicators on their websites which are likely to
provide more reliable guidance to network availability in any given area. The accuracy and
detail of the maps are not to the same level as the mobile operators publish. These maps
show UK-wide general coverage and are not suitable for zooming in to see specific locations
i.e. a particular house or street. Also they are not suitable for assessing the quality or depth
of coverage within the indicated areas (e.g. different operators may be able to offer better or
worse data rate services or support a smaller or greater number of users).

Introduction

It should be noted that the data used to generate the maps was not collected for the purpose
of examining detailed mobile coverage therefore the availability or quality of mobile services
cannot be assumed from these maps.

The coverage maps are based on theoretical predictions and were used as an intermediate
step for Ofcom establishing the operators’ compliance with their 3G licence rollout
obligations. A summary of the assumptions used to generate the maps is provided in the
technical notes below (for the full details see our consultation and statement on assessing
compliance with the 3G rollout obligations:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/3g_rollout/). They only provide a snapshot of the
extent of network coverage achieved by the operators at 31/12/2008 against the relevant
coverage threshold.

The maps are provided without any representation or endorsement made and without
warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to the implied
warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement,
compatibility, security and accuracy.

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Section 2

2 3G coverage maps (January 2009)

Technical notes

The 3G coverage maps have been calculated using the methodology consulted on (see:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/3g_rollout/). A summary of the key assumptions
follows:

• Areas where the received signal strength of the primary CPICH (Common Pilot
Channel) was calculated to exceed a threshold of -110dBm was used as a proxy
for coverage;

• Outdoor (rather than indoor) coverage is calculated;

• Primary CPICH power equals 10% of the maximum transmit power;

• The propagation model used was ITU-R Rec. P.1546-2,

o This is a model used internationally for coordination purposes (not one

optimised for network planning). The mobile operators have spent many years
calibrating their own proprietary propagation models; these are likely to be
more accurate but were not available to us and indeed not needed for our
purposes.

o The indicated coverage represents areas where the threshold is exceeded for
50% of locations and 50% of time;

o A comparison exercise with drive test data from sample regions was carried
out resulting in an additional correction factor of + 8 dB.

o All clutter class heights were set to a nominal 10 m default for our calculations.
Clutter is the height of objects above the terrain i.e. trees or buildings.

It should be noted that the coverage maps are only valid for the above assumptions.

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H3G

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O2

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Orange

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T-Mobile

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Vodafone